Continuous fermentation in series of main vessels with auxiliary vessel provided

A method of producing alcohol by fermentation of continuously supplied mash containing yeast and yeast nutrients, comprising the steps of successively transferring the mash through a series of separate fermentation vessels for fermentation therein during normal operation;

• diverting the further supply of mash at intervals and for a predetermined period of time which is at least sufficient for emptying that of the fermentation vessels of the series which has the longest emptying time into an intermittently operating auxiliary fermentation vessel for fermentation therein as the mash already present in the series of fermentation vessels continues to be successively transferred through such series during modified operation;
• and continuing the fermentation of the mash in the auxiliary fermentation vessel until completion of the fermentation which coincides with the emptying of the last fermentation vessel of the series.

A method of producing alcohol by fermentation of continuously supplied mash containing yeast and yeast nutrients, comprising the steps of successively transferring the mash through a series of separate fermentation vessels for fermentation therein during normal operation;

• diverting the further supply of mash at intervals and for a predetermined period of time which is at least sufficient for emptying that of the fermentation vessels of the series which has the longest emptying time into an intermittently operating auxiliary fermentation vessel for fermentation therein as the mash already present in the series of fermentation vessels continues to be successively transferred through such series during modified operation;
• and initiating the fermentation process in the fermentation vessels, including introducing an enriched fermentation mash from a supply vessel into the first fermentation vessel of the series for about 40 hours, and into the auxiliary fermentation vessel for about 10 hours, following the first introduction of the mash to be fermented thereinto.

An arrangement for producing alcohol by fermentation of a continuously supplied mash containing yeast and yeast nutrients, comprising a plurality of main fermentation vessels arranged in series and having equal volumetric capacity;

• means for transferring the mash into, through and out of said main fermentation vessels, including connecting conduit means connecting said main fermentation vessels in series, supply conduit means leading to the first of said main fermentation vessels in said series, and discharge conduit means leading from the last of said main fermentation vessels in said series;
• an auxiliary fermentation vessel having a volumetric capacity larger than the volumetric capacity of the main fermentation vessels for allowing the continuous supply of mash during cleaning of the main fermentation vessels, said auxiliary fermentation vessel being arranged parallel to the main fermentation vessels and operating discontinuously;
• and means for diverting a mash at intervals and for a predetermined period of time into said auxiliary fermentation vessel for fermentation therein until completion, including auxiliary supply conduit means connecting said supply conduit means with said auxiliary fermentation vessel.